Wreckonomics: Why It's Time to End the War on Everything

The United States' disastrous exit from Afghanistan in 2021, as well as its long-running fight against migration and war on drugs, have persisted for decades due to political habit and profit. Wreckonomics by Ruben Andersson and David Keen analyzes why these policies continue to fail, exposing the incentive systems that allow them to flourish in the face of systemic failure. The book offers strategies for tackling our addiction to waging war on everything.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The United States' ignominious exit from Afghanistan in 2021 marked a painful culmination of two decades of failure and devastation wrought by the war on terror. This protracted conflict against migration has resulted in widespread chaos, human rights abuses, and the forced displacement of individuals onto increasingly perilous routes. Moreover, the war on drugs has failed to curb the demand for narcotics, leading to devastating consequences across Mexico and the Philippines.

Despite the overwhelming evidence of these failing policies' ineffectiveness, why do they persist for such an extended period? The answer lies in the perverse incentives and political dynamics that drive them. In their book, Wreckonomics, Ruben Andersson and David Keen delve into the reasons why disastrous policies endure even when it becomes apparent that they do not work.

The perverse outcomes of the fights against terror, migration, and drugs are not mere anomalies or blips on the radar. Rather, the proliferation of wars and pseudo-wars has become a dangerous political habit and an endless source of political advantage and profit. From combating crime to the war on drugs, from civil wars to global wars, and even the COVID-19 pandemic, chronic failure has been exploited to present a façade of success.

Over a wide range of spheres, problems have persisted and worsened not so much as a result of these wars and fights but rather in spite of them. The wars and fights have served as distractions, diverting attention and resources away from addressing the root causes of these issues. They have created a cycle of violence and instability that perpetuates itself, leaving behind a trail of destruction and human suffering.

Wreckonomics exposes and interrogates the incentive systems that enable destructive policies to flourish in the face of systemic failure. The book offers a comprehensive analysis of a range of cases around the world, shedding light on the mechanisms that perpetuate these policies and the vested interests that benefit from them. It challenges the notion that waging war on everything is the solution to our problems and provides alternative strategies for tackling our addiction to conflict.

One of the key insights of Wreckonomics is the role of political ideology in perpetuating destructive policies. The book argues that policymakers are often driven by ideological beliefs rather than by evidence-based decision-making. This leads to policies that are based on assumptions and biases rather than on a clear understanding of the complex dynamics at play.

For example, the war on drugs has been driven by the belief that drugs are a threat to society and that the only way to address this threat is through enforcement and incarceration. However, the evidence suggests that drug prohibition is not only ineffective but also harmful. It has led to the militarization of law enforcement, the overcrowding of prisons, and the rise of organized crime.

Similarly, the war on terror has been driven by the belief that terrorism is a threat to national security and that the only way to address it is through military intervention and surveillance. However, the evidence suggests that these policies not only fail to prevent terrorism but also undermine civil liberties, promote discrimination, and create a sense of fear and insecurity among the population.

Wreckonomics also highlights the role of corporate interests in perpetuating destructive policies. The book argues that corporations often benefit from policies that promote their interests, regardless of the long-term consequences for society. For example, the war on drugs has been heavily influenced by the pharmaceutical industry, which profits from the sale of drugs for pain management and addiction treatment.

Similarly, the war on terror has been influenced by the defense industry, which profits from the sale of weapons and military equipment. The defense industry has lobbied for policies that prioritize military spending and intervention, even at the expense of human rights and the well-being of communities.

To address these issues, Wreckonomics offers a range of strategies for tackling our addiction to waging war on everything. The book advocates for a more nuanced and evidence-based approach to policy-making, which prioritizes human rights, social justice, and sustainable development. It calls for a shift away from military intervention and toward diplomacy, negotiation, and conflict resolution.

Furthermore, the book emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in policy-making. It calls for policymakers to be held accountable for their actions and to be transparent about the interests that drive their decisions. This can help to reduce the influence of corporate interests and promote a more democratic and accountable political system.

In conclusion, the United States' ignominious exit from Afghanistan in 2021 and the ongoing challenges posed by the war on terror, migration, and drugs highlight the perverse incentives and political dynamics that drive destructive policies. Wreckonomics provides a powerful analysis of these issues and offers strategies for tackling our addiction to waging war on everything. By prioritizing human rights, social justice, and sustainable development, we can break the cycle of violence and instability and create a more peaceful and prosperous world.

Weight: 566g
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197645925